WIndows 7 and Server2008 machines will not remember network discovery preferences, requires setting every start up or wake up.

Question

hello
I wondered if anybody here could be so kind as to help me solve this situation
i have two Windows 7 machines and Server2008 machines will not remember network discovery preferences,
i am running software on the windows server machine that collects data and serves information to two windows 7 machines, and network discovery is required for this purpose
these machines are configured in a local stand alone network configured as a workgroup the only other items on network are none PC based equipment that the server happily communicates with and reads data from
once the network discovery is set for the network the system runs as expected but on every start-up (or wake up) the network discovery is lost and need to be re allowed. this is the case in both windows server 20008 r2 and windows 7
how do i make these preferences permanent. so that it will restart and re establish communication its self without intervention
am i missing a setting or if not  is there a way i can script the the selection of preference on each start(/wake)up.
the final user need to be able to turn system on/restart and use it with out having to have any IT/networking knowledge to get system running.
thank you for taking the time to read my query

Answer 1

You can use group policy to enable network discovery so that it is always configured
1. In the Group Policy editor on a Win7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 computer, open the GPO that you want
to use in the Group Policy Editor.
2. Expand "Computer Configuration", "Windows Settings", "Security Settings", "Windows Firewall with Advanced
Security", and then "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security - {policy you have open}".
3 Right-click "Inbound Rules", and then click "New Rule".
4 In the Rule Wizard, on the Rule Type page, select"Predefined", and then select Network Discovery from
the list.  Click Next.
5 On the Predefined Rules page, ensure that the check box is on each rule that is part of the Network
Discovery group, and then click Next.
6 On the Action page, select "Allow the Connection", and then click Finish.